2010-01-15, 07:39 PM
So, it occurred to me, when I went outside and looked up at the stars, wouldn't it be feasibly possible for the earth's gravity to catch an asteroid, but, for some reason, the asteroid was flung into orbit around the earth.
So, I was wondering... how would this affect us.
If the asteroid was big enough and close enough in orbit, could it technically not be seen from the ground as a lit object with it's own cycles and eclipses?
Other than the 'beauty' aspect.
How would a new moon affect tidal patterns?
Would its surface be explored?
How fast would it orbit?
I also realized that this could happen at ANY moment in time. Think about, a random asteroid, seemingly about to crash into earth, but, instead orbits the Earth.
Oh, and does anybody know the chances of this happening?
Say the chances of an asteroid earthbound either crashing or orbiting.
So, I was wondering... how would this affect us.
If the asteroid was big enough and close enough in orbit, could it technically not be seen from the ground as a lit object with it's own cycles and eclipses?
Other than the 'beauty' aspect.
How would a new moon affect tidal patterns?
Would its surface be explored?
How fast would it orbit?
I also realized that this could happen at ANY moment in time. Think about, a random asteroid, seemingly about to crash into earth, but, instead orbits the Earth.
Oh, and does anybody know the chances of this happening?
Say the chances of an asteroid earthbound either crashing or orbiting.

